It’s a bittersweet moment for baseball enthusiasts, particularly those in Arizona, as they bid farewell to Jordan Montgomery, who is now set to face a significant setback in his career. Montgomery will undergo Tommy John surgery next week, marking the second time he’s had to confront this formidable procedure. The anticipated recovery process under the skilled hands of Dr. Keith Meister suggests that Montgomery may be sidelined throughout the entire 2025 season and potentially spill into part of 2026.
Montgomery’s frustrations are palpable, echoing through his candid remarks about the long and often painful recovery journey that he has traversed. After feeling persistent soreness following a challenging game on March 19, he faced delays in crucial bullpen sessions, underscoring the uphill battle he’s currently fighting.
Initially, Montgomery sought what he hoped would be a simple resolution, relying on imaging and perhaps a routine injection to combat his discomfort. However, the news of the seriousness of his injury was a harsh wake-up call, forcing him to face a more daunting road ahead.
He joined the Diamondbacks shortly after the 2024 Opening Day, following a frustrating period of being without a team. Hopes were high for his addition; yet, his performance didn’t match those expectations. Montgomery finished the season with a disappointing 6.23 ERA, ultimately losing his place in the rotation. In spite of these challenges, he opted to exercise his $22.5 million player option for 2025, motivated by the desire to reclaim his status and increase his market value.
The reaction among baseball fans to Montgomery’s unexpected surgery has been rife with concern, empathy, and a mix of humor—showing the community’s investment in these athletes’ journeys. Social media was quick to react, with many expressing relief that the Boston Red Sox avoided a potentially tumultuous signing. Comments echoed sentiments of disbelief and sympathy, as fans voiced their support: “Damn Red Sox dodged one there,” noted one fan, while another tweeted, “Jeez, what a disaster of a contract for AZ.”
Montgomery’s road since joining the Diamondbacks has been anything but easy. With a career-worst ERA and a negative WAR of -1.4 during the 2024 season, any hopes of leveraging his prior successes took a hit. He had initially set his sights on signing with the Red Sox, his preferred destination, yet found himself in Arizona under a one-year, $25 million deal that weighed heavily on performance metrics. Now, with the news of his surgery, the prospect of bouncing back seems even more distant.
Fans have not shied away from reacting to the latest developments, with some tweeting, “Dude can’t catch a break for nothing.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, highlighting the struggles he’s faced across seasons. One fan succinctly put it, “Omg, that’s brutal,” capturing the shared feeling of disappointment among those rooting for him.
Montgomery did show glimpses of promise, making 21 starts and appearing in 25 games during his time with the Diamondbacks—finishing with an 8-7 record. However, the season was marred by rising walk rates, an alarming dip in strikeout numbers, and an increased number of hits allowed. It was clear that the front office was considering trading him to shake things up before the announcement of his surgery, now making the possibility of a comeback even more unlikely.
As Montgomery navigates this challenging chapter, his journey speaks to the resilience required in professional sports, and the community of fans, though disappointed, remains hopeful for the day he can return to the mound. For all those who understand the heartbreak of setbacks, Montgomery’s story serves as a reminder of perseverance, even in the toughest of times.
Image Source: Jordan Montgomery @ Instagram
